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CIPR Internal Communication Certificate

This course is taught and assessed at level 5 of the UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

The CIPR Internal Communication Certificate will provide you with a solid grounding in all the key concepts, techniques, theories and skills needed to develop effectively as an internal communication professional. You will focus on core topics such as:

  • organisational culture and transformation
  • communication theory and strategic internal communication and engagement
  • planning and managing
  • setting the right tone-the fit between internal and external communication
  • using social media for internal communication
  • role of communications in transforming organisations.

The CIPR Internal Communication certificate is the only qualification for internal communicators awarded by a Chartered Institute.

A valuable qualification in its own right, it also prepares you for the CIPR Advanced Certificate and Diploma in Public Relations. Holders of the CIPR Internal Communication Certificate who wish to go on to study the CIPR Advanced Certificate in Public Relations will be granted an exemption from the third unit/assessment and the Advanced Certificate course fees will be reduced accordingly. Contact the CIPR qualifications team for further details.

Read former students' opinions about the course and their advice for new students.

There are two modes of study available for this course: centre-based and online (see below).

Who is the course aimed at?

This course may be suitable if you are in the first few years of your internal communication career, are considering a career in internal communication, or are working in a related field (e.g. Media relations, event management, CSR or public affairs) and would like to know more about internal communication.

Entry requirements

Any one of the following:

  • CIPR Foundation Award
  • any UK degree
  • two years' relevant full-time employment in public relations (or related sectors e.g. marketing, journalism, and some general business sectors) and five GCSEs grade C or above, one of which must be English Language
  • LCCIEB Group Diploma in PR and one year's experience in PR.

In addition, those whose first language is not English must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the language - spoken and written - to an International Language Testing System (IELTS) band score of 7.0 or above or equivalent.

Please Note: If you are currently studying full time or working whilst studying part time towards another course either within the CIPR or externally your application may not be accepted.

Centre-based study

The PR Academy will be offering two courses, one starting Autumn 2011 (in central London, Hatton Garden) and one starting January 2012 (central London, The City). Course times: 10.30am - 4pm.

Course dates (Autumn term, 2011)

Central London, Hatton Garden.

  • Sat 8 Oct 2011
  • Sat 12 Nov 2011
  • Sat 10 Dec 2011
  • Sat 21 Jan 2011
  • Assignment Deadline: Mon 2 April 2012

Course dates (Winter term, 2012)

Central London, The City.

  • Sat 28 Jan 2012
  • Sat 25 Feb 2012
  • Sat 24 Mar 2012
  • Sat 28 April 2012
  • Assignment Deadline: Fri 3 August 2012

Fees

The total fee is £1,344. This is split as follows:

  • CIPR awarding body fee –
    £270 (VAT zero rated) payable to the CIPR.
    Note: Payment by instalments is available for self-funding students. Please email bernadettee@cipr.co.uk for further details
  • Centre course fee –
    £895 + VAT (£1,074) payable to The PR Academy Ltd.
    Note: Payment by instalments is available for self-funding students. Please email sarah.walters@pracademy.co.uk for further details.

Channel Islands

The course in the Channel Islands will be delivered in two, two-day, sessions as follows:

  • Fri 15 Oct 2011 (Jersey)
  • Sat 16 Oct 2011 (Jersey)
  • Fri 25 Nov 2011 (Guernsey)
  • Fri 26 Nov 2011 (Guernsey)
  • Assignment deadline: Mon 2 April 2012

Plus there will be an additional webinar on social media.

A minimum number is required for this course in the Channel Islands to run so applications need to be received by the CIPR by close of business on Monday 15 August 2011. This should either be a legally binding purchase order if an employer is paying or a 50% deposit if the student is paying. In all cases, full payment must be received before the course starts.

Fees

The total fee is £1,265. This is split as follows:

  • CIPR awarding body fee –
    £270 (VAT zero rated) payable to the CIPR.
    Note: Payment by instalments is available for self-funding students. Please email bernadettee@cipr.co.uk for further details
  • Centre course fee –
    £995 (Vat exempt in CI) payable to The PR Academy Ltd.
    Note: Payment by instalments is available for self-funding students. Please email sarah.walters@pracademy.co.uk for further details.

Notes

Students must commit to attend all four study days on one of the courses as listed above.

It is anticipated that students will need to set aside three hours per week for private study which may increase as you are working on your assignment.

Membership of the CIPR is a mandatory requirement for UK-based students. For this reason, the application form covers applying for both the course and CIPR membership.

If you are not already a CIPR member, you will need to join at a specially discounted rate of £130 for your first year of membership. The fee for students residing outside the UK is £80 and students must apply online once acceptance onto the course has been received.

The fees include the text books:

  • 'Exploring Internal Communication' edited by Kevin Ruck
  • 'The CEO: Chief Engagement Officer: Turning Hierarchy upside down to improve performance'

Unless a payment arrangement has been made the CIPR Awarding Body fee and membership fees must be paid in full before the start of the course. Please contact the PR Academy regarding the deadline for payment of their fees.

The CIPR regrets it cannot accept payment of the Awarding Body or Membership fees by BACS.

Online study option

The Internal Communication Certificate is also offered as an online study course.

How do I apply?

Applications are processed centrally at CIPR HQ. Candidates will be notified as soon as possible whether their application has been successful. Provided candidates satisfy the entry criteria places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no deadline for applications, but you need to allow sufficient time for your application to be processed and for our invoice to be paid by you or your sponsor before the first teaching date. You should also bear in mind that courses can fill up quite quickly.

Before downloading the application form please read the Terms and Conditions and the CIPR Code of Conduct.

Application forms

Please download, print and complete the required application form from the list below:

Note

Membership of the CIPR is a mandatory requirement for Internal Communication Certificate students. For this reason, the application form covers applying for both the course and CIPR membership.

CIPR Advanced Certificate – exemptions

Holders of the CIPR Internal Communication Certificate who wish to go on to study the CIPR Advanced Certificate in Public Relations will be granted an exemption from the third unit/assessment and the course fees will be reduced accordingly. Contact the CIPR qualifications team on qualifications@cipr.co.uk for further details.